New memoir, “GAY AF: The Military Career of a Georgia Drag Queen” by Jay Claypool, is released

GAY AF is an inspiring story of service, self-expression, and a wild ride through life’s adventures.

Los Angeles, CA, California, United States – March 2, 2024 /MarketersMEDIA/ —

“GAY AF: The Military Career of a Georgia Drag Queen” by Jay Claypool has been released worldwide. This 348-page memoir is a candid account of the author’s ambitious, unconventional life that spans a 20+ year career in the United States Air Force, drag performances as his alter ego Dixie Crystal, a tumultuous childhood, and experiences over the years that range from tragic to triumphant, with plenty of joy and humor along the way.

Growing up gay in the conservative south led to persecution and isolation, but Jay found new freedom and friendships as a drag performer in the Augusta nightclub scene. As his lifestyle changed and his career as a performer blossomed, a longing for a higher calling and a new environment grew. In the wake of 9/11, Jay’s growing sense of patriotism and desire to contribute led to an Air Force recruiter, and the trajectory of his life bent in an entirely new direction.

The subsequent journey – including the tension of active duty in the “don’t ask, don’t tell” era and frequent changes in military law – is one of duality, perseverance, and finding ways to be his authentic self across all aspects of life. The author shares gritty details of struggle and comical stories, moments of deep sadness and wild adventures, all with a steady, insightful eye for the lessons contained within each experience.

While the focus of the narrative is autobiography, Claypool also provides an inspirational message of hope and fortitude for readers who may be struggling with their own identity, sexuality, or place in society. The book shows a path to relentless authenticity, self-discovery, and the ability to reconcile individuality with an unwelcoming social climate.

The author aims to inspire true freedom, especially for those in the military, and achieves that goal beautifully through the honest, vulnerable, and empowering moments throughout this memoir.

GAY AF: The Military Career of a Georgia Drag Queen (ISBN: 9781961532328) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon. The paperback retails for $35.99 and the ebook retails for $9.99. Review copies and interviews are available upon request.

From the back cover:

Meet Jay Claypool, and his alter ego Dixie Crystal. On his own from an early age, and embracing his sexuality and the performance art of drag, Jay recounts his early years as a nightclub performer, the 9-11 tragedy; and how it propelled him into a 20 plus years military career in the United States Air Force. A collection of stories that are hilarious, heartbreaking; and at times surreal, Gay AF is the autobiography of an entertainer who has persevered through the often-changing legal landscape and demanding service reorganizations within the DoD. Jay finds himself working within some of the most elite Air Force organizations, planning and executing unique no-fail missions; and Dixie Crystal is always along for the adventure.

About the author:

Jay Claypool is a 20-year United States Air Force Veteran, and freshman author originally from Augusta Georgia. As a young drag performer, and frequent night club fixture, Jay strives to be a source of inspiration to anyone which wild ambition, who also may be doubting their sexuality, individuality and artistic freedom, specifically within the ranks of the military. He currently lives in Washington DC with his Navy veteran husband, and the two are dog dads to their boxer-mastiff, “Bub.”

About Manhattan Book Group:

Manhattan Book Group (“MBG”), located on Broadway in New York City, is a registered trade name of Mindstir Media LLC. MBG is widely known as a premier hybrid book publisher. We have combined the best of traditional publishing with the best of self-publishing to provide authors with the “best of both worlds” in a sense. To learn more about MBG, visit www.manhattanbookgroup.com/

Contact Info:
Name: Jen McNabney
Email: Send Email
Organization: Manhattan Book Group
Website: https://www.manhattanbookgroup.com

Release ID: 89123104

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